1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1978 Buick Century is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 430 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Because 1978 Buick Century is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Lancia | Buick |
| Model | Beta | Century |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2760 mm |
